At Clare Cellars, harvest season is a whirlwind of activity and passion. Each day is filled with focused efforts and careful decisions as we work tirelessly to bring out the best in our grapes. From the first light of dawn until well into the evening, our days are a blend of meticulous tasks and dedicated teamwork. Here’s a glimpse into the dynamic rhythm of our daily routine during this pivotal time.

Dawn

Dusk

Noon

Night

Wine Making

Harvesting

As dawn breaks, we are already in the vineyard, carefully assessing the ripeness of our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This involves more than a quick glance—it’s about tasting, testing, and understanding each block’s unique characteristics. From sugar levels to acidity, every element is scrutinized to ensure our grapes are at their peak for picking.

Dawn

4:30 AM – Early Morning Vineyard Check

5:00 AM – The Harvest Begins

With a nod of approval, our harvest team springs into action. While some vineyards rely on machinery, we believe in the precision of hand-picking. Each grape cluster is selected with care, ensuring only the finest fruit makes its way to our winery. This meticulous process helps us craft wines that truly reflect our dedication and attention to detail.

10:00 AM – Sorting and Destemming

As our grape-laden trucks arrive, we begin the sorting process. We meticulously remove any unwanted elements—bad grapes, leaves, and stems—either by hand or using advanced equipment. The choice to destem or ferment whole clusters is driven by our experience and the desired wine profile.

Post-lunch, our focus shifts to crushing and fermentation. Our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are either crushed and pressed immediately or left to ferment with their skins, depending on the wine style. For red wines like ours, skin contact is essential for color and tannin extraction, while white wines are pressed first to separate the juice.

Noon

1:00 PM – Crushing and Fermentation

3:00 PM – Punching Down

To achieve the bold berry flavors and complex notes in our Cabernet Sauvignon, we punch down our grape must every few days over the course of a couple of weeks. This technique is crucial for extracting color, flavor, and aroma from the skins. It’s a meticulous process that ensures every bit of character is drawn out and integrated into our wine.

Multi-Week Process

As the day winds down, we turn our attention to the barrels. Our wines are aged in new French oak barrels, chosen for their ability to add nuanced flavors and enhance the wine’s texture. This step is critical in shaping the final character of our wines.

Dusk

5:00 PM – Barrel Preparation and Maintenance

7:00 PM – Evening Vineyard Walk

Before calling it a day, we take a quiet stroll through the vineyard. This reflective walk helps us stay connected to the land and plan for the days ahead, observing changes and making mental notes for the future.

After a fulfilling day, it’s time to relax with a well-deserved dinner and perhaps a glass of our own Cabernet Sauvignon. Even in moments of rest, our focus remains on the tasks ahead. We review data, check forecasts, and prepare for another early start.

Night

Dinner and Rest